Estrogen dominance is a condition where estrogen levels in the body become excessive relative to progesterone, leading to various health issues. This concept, coined by Dr. John Lee, highlights how elevated estrogen levels, either naturally or through hormone replacement therapies (HRT), can contribute to adverse symptoms and increase the risk of conditions such as breast cancer.
The Impact of Estrogen Dominance
Estrogen is often prescribed to women during menopause to address symptoms like hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and low energy. However, estrogen, particularly in synthetic forms, can have serious side effects if not balanced by progesterone.
Several studies have shown a link between high estrogen levels and an increased risk of breast cancer. For instance, women with elevated estrogen levels tend to develop breast cancer more frequently than those with balanced levels. Additionally, breast cancer survivors with higher estrogen levels are more likely to experience cancer recurrence. This is because one of estrogen’s roles in the body is to promote cell growth, which, if unchecked, can lead to abnormal cell proliferation and cancer.
Types of Estrogen
There are three main types of estrogen:
- Estrone (E1)
- Estradiol (E2)
- Estriol (E3)
Estriol, the weakest form, is often preferred for HRT because it is less likely to contribute to cancer. It has even been used to treat breast cancer by occupying estrogen receptor sites and blocking stronger forms of estrogen.
History of Estrogen Dominance
Dr. John Lee first introduced the term "estrogen dominance" to explain the symptoms women experience when they have too much estrogen relative to progesterone. Over time, it became clear that synthetic forms of estrogen, such as those found in contraceptive pills or HRT, could exacerbate this imbalance, leading to conditions like fatigue, fibroids, abnormal menstruation, and breast cancer.
In the 2000s, further studies highlighted the dangers of synthetic estrogen, particularly in drugs like Premarin, which contains high levels of estrone. This drug was found to increase the risk of invasive breast cancer by 41% in postmenopausal women.
The Importance of Progesterone
While estrogen can have benefits, it must be countered with adequate levels of progesterone to prevent estrogen dominance. Progesterone plays a vital role in balancing estrogen by stimulating the P53 gene, which encourages apoptosis (cell death) in abnormal cells, effectively countering the cell growth promoted by estrogen.
Progesterone cream, particularly at concentrations of 5%, can be an effective way to manage estrogen dominance. A typical dose ranges between 100-200mg/day, with higher doses (up to 400mg/day) recommended for severe symptoms like heavy bleeding or intense hot flashes. It's important to note that low doses of progesterone can stimulate estrogen receptor sites, so using enough progesterone to counteract excess estrogen is crucial.
Benefits of Progesterone Cream
- Balances Hormones: Progesterone helps balance estrogen levels, preventing symptoms of estrogen dominance.
- Reduces Cancer Risk: By promoting cell death in potentially cancerous cells, progesterone can reduce the risk of breast and uterine cancers.
- Improves Symptoms: It helps alleviate symptoms like abnormal menstruation, fatigue, and fibroids caused by excessive estrogen.
- Restores Natural Balance: Progesterone helps restore the natural balance disrupted by synthetic hormones or menopause.
Estrogen Metabolism and Cancer Risk
Estrogen can be metabolized through different pathways in the body, with some pathways being more carcinogenic than others. The "bad" pathway produces 16-hydroxyestrone, which is linked to cancer risk, while the "good" pathways produce 2-hydroxyestrone and 2-hydroxyestradiol, which are more protective against cancer. Monitoring estrogen metabolism through urine tests can help determine the balance between these pathways.
Conclusion
Estrogen dominance is a significant concern, particularly when synthetic estrogens are used without balancing them with progesterone. While estrogen can provide relief from menopausal symptoms, it should be used cautiously, preferably in its weakest form, estriol, and always balanced with sufficient progesterone to prevent the adverse effects of estrogen dominance.
References:
(1) Cheryl L. Rock, Shirley W. Flatt, Gail A. Laughlin, et al., "Reproductive Steroid Hormones and Recurrence-Free Survival in Women with a History of Breast Cancer," Cancer Epidemiology Biomarkers and Prevention 17 (2008): 614-20. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18323413
(2) Formby, B., Wiley, T.S., "Progesterone inhibits growth and induces apoptosis in breast cancer cells: inverse effects on Bcl-2 and p53," Annals of Clinical & Laboratory Science. Nov-Dec;28(6):360-9 (1998). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9846203
(3) Horita K1, Inase N, Miyake S, Formby B, Toyoda H, Yoshizawa Y. "Progesterone induces apoptosis in malignant mesothelioma cells," Anticancer Research, Nov-Dec;21(6A):3871-4 (2001). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11911261
(4) Roni T. Falk, Louise A. Brinton, Joanne F. Dorgan, et al., "Relationship of serum estrogens and estrogen metabolites to postmenopausal breast cancer risk: a nested case-control Study," Breast Cancer Research 15 (2013): online 2013 Apr 22. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23607871
Dr. Michael E. Platt has been a pioneer in the research and advancement of the therapeutic use of progesterone cream for use in managing adrenaline and hormonal imbalance. Dr. Platt is considered an important pioneer in observational, functional, alternative, and allopathic medicine focused on bio-identical hormones and adrenaline overload. His three books “The Miracle of Bioidentical Hormones”, “Adrenaline Dominance” and “Platt Protocol” have received 11 literary awards.
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